Archive for June 2016

As one festival year ends and another starts a new blogger has also started to look after this Huron Fringe Birding Festival blog. Many thanks to Ed for his years of keeping all of you up-to-date on the events of the festival and the information on the knowlegeable presenters that make the progams so interesting. Now I (Bob Taylor) am going to try and tune my blogging skills up and hopefully don’t make too many blunders as I get the information out to you. I also have another blog as some followers might have noticed and already posted my blog to the wrong site today but hopefully I can keep things sorted out in the future :).

WIth the 20th Huron Fringe Briding Festival ahead keep tuned and get your time next year set aside as I’m sure it will a great time for birding as well as other nature activities.

When May of 2017 rolls around we will have been presenting the Huron Fringe Birding festival for 20 years.

From our simple beginning – a one day Festival of 3 0r 4 events – to now with over 80 events over 8 days – we like to think we’ve grown into one of Canada’s Premier Birding and Nature Festivals for good reason. We feature not only birding, but botany, photography, nature hikes, workshops, evening presentations, a Family Weekend Package and more.

In preparation for our 20th Festival we’ve made arrangements with some original and former leaders – like Martin & Kathy Parker, Doug Martin, Will Waterton, and Mark Wiercinski, to bring back their expertise to a new audience. As well as adding new presenters and leaders like Steve Burrows, Erin Mallon, Sciensational Snakes, Walter Muma and Birding By Boat, to name just a few. It will be a brand new and exciting program designed to refresh old acquaintances and develop new ones.

So, take note of these dates and come share in the celebration of 20 years of the Huron Fringe Birding Festival.

ON-LINE REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 1, 2017

And if you want to keep up-to-date on birds and birding until HFBF returns, log on to http://www.bobandannemarie.wordpress.com. Bob and Anne Marie will keep you informed with words and pictures of their birding adventures and the Bruce Birding Club. Well worth following.

And you still have time to register for all events.

ONE LAST WEEKEND TO GO. AND YOU CAN STILL REGISTER FOR OPEN EVENTS. ITS EASY. COME TO MacGREGOR POINT PARK. MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE VISITOR’S CENTRE (JUST FOLLOW THE ROADSIDE SIGNS). AND TALK TO THE NICE LADIES AT THE REGISTRATION TENT. THEY’LL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO FIT YOU IN – ON THE SPOT. ITS A GREAT WAY TO SPEND TIME AND THE WEEKEND WITH YOUR KIDS.

SATURDAY JUNE 4

One parent/guardian must accompany children from the same family. This person is allowed to participate in the event free of charge. See the website for parent/guardian registration details.

Morning

FAM1 9 am PLUGGING KIDS INTO BIRDING – Richard Tofflemire – Birding with kids can start right in your own backyard or in a provincial park! It is a family friendly activity. Learn about the equipment needed, field guides and apps and the easiest ways to identify birds. Bring binoculars if you have them, we will have some for you to use if you don’t. (limit 40)

Afternoon

FAM2 1:30 pm AFTERNOON ADVENTURES – (Children will be divided into two groups. Each child will attend both afternoon programs.) (limit 40)

BINO BOY & ELYTRA GIRL – Andalyne & Richard Tofflemire – Everyone already has the superpowers they need to explore nature! Come out for a dynamic exploration of the forest and learn how much fun discovering nature can be.

and

MONARCH MADNESS – Audrey Armstrong – Not only are monarchs beautiful, but their life cycle and migration is amazing! In this hands-on interactive workshop, children will learn about monarchs and create really cool crafts. To help foster habitat for this Species at Risk, you will make “seed bombs” to take home.

FAM4 9:00 am MORNING EXPLORATIONS – (Children will be divided into two groups. Each child will attend both morning programs.) (limit 40)

BUILDING FOR THE BIRDS – Kerry Jarvis – Get in the birding spirit. Build your own structure for a nest or wildlife feeder. No carpentry skills are required; just bring your enthusiasm! (kit – $10 extra per child. All tools provided.)

and

POND EXPLORATION – Andalyne & Richard Tofflemire – Join Richard and Andalyne for an informal, hands-on look at the fascinating critters that make the pond their home. Dip nets, basins and hand lenses will help us look at the often unseen animals that live in pond water.

Afternoon

FAM5 1:30 pm SPEED, STRENGTH & STEALTH: ONTARIO’S RAPTORS – Wild Ontario – Ontario is home to some of the most amazing hunting birds on the planet! Come get nose-to-beak with these stunning predators, and learn about the incredible skills and abilities that help them do what they do. (outdoors)